Providing a safe and supportive work environment

The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) is an essential component for fleet managers seeking to ensure regulatory compliance and efficiency within the heavy vehicle industry.

Among the various standards, Fatigue Management Accreditation Standard No. 7, which focuses on workplace conditions, is key to ensuring driver safety and well-being.

At Hubfleet, we worked with Glyn Castanelli, an NHVR-approved Transport Health and Safety auditor, to take a closer look at the seven fatigue management standards set by the NHVR.

Our aim is to explain the meaning of these standards and to show how transport companies can implement practical systems to meet their obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

In this article, we take a closer look at what Standard 7 means, provide guidance on how to meet its requirements, and discuss how innovative solutions like Hubfleet software can help.

The essence of Fatigue Management Accreditation: Standard 7

Fatigue Management Accreditation Standard 7 emphasises the importance of appropriate workplace conditions to effectively manage driver fatigue. The standard requires operators to provide a safe and supportive working environment, taking into account factors such as:

• Workplace safety: Providing drivers with a safe place to rest and recuperate between shifts.

• Amenities: Providing access to basic amenities such as clean toilets, sleeping areas and dining areas.

• Work schedules: Developing work schedules that provide adequate rest periods and comply with fatigue management regulations.

• Health and wellness programs: Implementing programmes to promote the physical and mental well-being of drivers.

Guidelines for meeting the requirements of Standard 7

Glyn Castanelli has spent over 30 years in the heavy haulage industry in a variety of roles, including his current role as an NHVR accredited auditor in Transport Health and Safety. Glyn has the following practical tips for fleet managers to help them meet Fatigue Management Accreditation Standard 7:

• Conduct regular security audits: Regularly check workplace conditions to identify and mitigate any safety hazards. Ensure rest areas are clean, safe, and equipped with necessary amenities.

• Optimization of work schedules: Design work schedules that comply with fatigue management regulations. Ensure drivers have sufficient rest breaks and do not exceed maximum working hours.

• Implementing health and wellness programs: Promote programs focused on the physical and mental health of drivers. Encourage regular health check-ups, provide resources for stress management, and offer healthy food options.

• Provide adequate facilities: Make sure drivers have access to clean and comfortable rest areas. Amenities should include adequate sleeping areas, dining areas and clean restrooms.

• Training and awareness: Conducting regular training to educate drivers and employees about the importance of fatigue management and how to maintain a safe working environment.

Using Hubfleet software to ensure compliance

Hubfleet software can be an invaluable tool for fleet managers looking to meet the requirements of the NHVAS Fatigue Management Accreditation Standard 7. Here’s how Hubfleet can help:

• Planning: Hubfleet’s advanced scheduling tool helps you create compliant work schedules that optimise driver rest periods and prevent fatigue.

• Live monitoring: The software enables real-time monitoring of drivers’ working hours, ensuring that no driver exceeds legal limits and ensures that they get adequate rest.

• Security audits and reporting: Hubfleet provides the tools to conduct regular security audits and generate detailed threat and incident reports, helping managers to properly identify and quickly resolve potential workplace threats.

•Drivers’ opinions and communication: Hubfleet facilitates communication between drivers and management, enabling timely reporting of workplace conditions and quick resolution of any issues.

Compliance with NHVAS Fatigue Management Accreditation Standard 7 is essential for driver safety and well-being. By focusing on creating a safe and supportive workplace, fleet managers can significantly reduce the risks associated with driver fatigue.

Using tools like Hubfleet software can streamline compliance efforts by making it easier to monitor, manage and improve workplace conditions. Ultimately, a well-implemented fatigue management strategy not only ensures compliance, but also improves overall fleet efficiency and driver satisfaction.

Disclaimer: This article offers general guidance. For specific legal advice and detailed information on Fatigue Management accreditation, always consult the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) website or an accredited legal advisor.